The sixth child of Anton Trese, the former guardian of Metro Manila
against supernatural beings such as the tikbalang, aswang, and wicked
elementals, has the capacity to bring about a great age for the underworld or
to become their scourge.

From the earliest of superhero comics, the stories have always been
the reimagining of mythical characters in a heroic and modern setting. Jerry
Siegel’s and Joe Shuster’s Superman was inspired by Samson and Hercules. Soon
after, fans were treated to Wonder Woman, an Amazon; and Flash, a character created
with a nod towards the Greek god Mercury. And it has been pretty much the same
formula since.

There have been many similar stories through the years in popular
media where gods or mythical creatures live amongst modern man – Sandman, Aria,
Fables, Neverwhere, Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed, Underworld, are
but a few.

For Budjette Tan’s and KaJo Baldisimo’s Trese, the writer-artist team bring together the mythical creatures
from Philippine culture and place them in a modern setting. Not just in a
modern urban setting but in Crime Scene Investigation manner.

So with Trese, think
Kolchak The Night Stalker (probably granddaddy of this particular genre as it
ran on television from 1974-75 and is a show I keenly followed) and Joss
Whedon’s Angel.

When I first read Trese
during its initial release in late 2005, what first jumped into my mind was
James Robinson’s and Paul Smith’s excellent “Leave It To Chance” where the
daughter of Lucas Falconer, Chance, becomes Devil’s Echo’s protector against
the supernatural.

“Leave It To Chance” produced 13 issues that were published
irregularly by Image Comics from September of 1996 up to July 2002. It was
discontinued after the 13th issue despite winning several awards
including the Harvey Award for Best New Series and Eisner Awards for Best New
Series and Best Title for Young Readers in 1997. A re-print collection of the
first four issues was the top vote getter for Comic Buyer’s Guide Fan Award for
1998.

Ironically, Trese is
about Alexandra Trese, who takes over from her father Anton, as the protector
of Manila from the weird and supernatural.

But maybe because Paul Smith’s bright and sunny artwork is intended
for a younger audience; Leave It To Chance is like Nancy Drew.

Trese isn’t at all like that. It’s dark, moody, and terrifying. It is a
creepier Night Stalker/Angel* because what Filipino did not grow up hearing
about all these supernatural beings? Even if you didn’t believe the nuno sa
punso when you passed by one, you always said, ‘Tabi tabi po’ just to be sure.

Trese isn’t for the weak. It’s violent yet the blood and gore never
goes overboard just like every good horror story. The idea isn’t to make one
squeamish but to feel the hair on your arms stand up.

Tan’s writing isn’t long and winded. In fact, the backstories of
all the characters are seamlessly worked in without you realizing it.

And that’s the hallmark of a good story.

So…

Why is Trese important?

-
My question

Trese mines our rich culture for a terrific storyline that although owes
its inspirations from our Western counterparts yet is at once our very own. I
have to admit I was a little skeptical at first. But as a kid, I loved reading
those reprinted Tales of Lola Basyang and that kid called “Kangkong” who fought
supernatural creatures and I’ve seen Budjette’s previous work so who am I not
to give this a chance.

And the black and white artwork of Baldisimo fits the story just
fine. It adds to the noir feel of the story. The line work isn’t too heavy and
dark. Excellent use of white and dark spaces so you never feel like it’s
muddled. Overall, the story has the feel of Mike Mignola’s ‘Hellboy’ and ‘Blood:
The Last Vampire” that means it keeps you on the edge as you know something
wicked this way comes.

You’re engrossed not only in the story but you find yourself
investing in the characters. You want to know more about Alexandra Trese, the
Kambal (who certainly demand a story of their own), Captain Guerrero who is this book’s Commissioner Gordon, and all the
supernatural beings that become a part of the book. The nuno sa manhole is
frigging brilliant. Oscar the Grouch is officially out of business!

Trese unfolds like a casebook of crimes that takes the reader through
different parts of Metro Manila with each issue introducing us to the spirits
living in the material world and how they have integrated into society. You’ll
have fun identifying names and how their lives have intertwined with urban
legends from Balete Drive to the serpent that allegedly haunts the malls of a
Taipan.

I am not going to give away plotlines in this review. That is for
you to find out. I am just telling you why Trese deserves your time and
attention because I wouldn’t be surprised one day is this is optioned for a
film or even a television series like The Walking Dead.

You see Trese is that diabolically good.

Now don’t you dare make a wrong turn and end up in that dimly lit
side of the metro.

* Kolchak was an investigative reporter while Angel was a vampire
with a soul who worked as a private detective dedicated to “helping the helpless”
while battling demons and humans allied with these supernatural beings.